Summer is a time to just have fun with family. You're jumping into lakes, grilling meals, counting stars, and eating your weight in watermelon. In the summer, even a simple lawn game on the grass turns into a good time. And that classic American trio of red, white, and blue works as a bold and bright color palette for summer festivities. Start with the red-white-and-blue colors of summer to spark your search for the perfect gift.

When someone in your family is going away, it’s tough to shake off that gonna-miss-you feeling. Remember that you’re not the only one in the missing camp (they’re going to miss you, too.) So take a moment now to find a special gift as a loving sendoff. Look for gifts for family that your loved one can take with them. Here’s your essential guide to gifts that send the message that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

They're all their own unique snowflakes but sometimes it's just more fun to give them something that brings them together. Whether you're shopping for your immediate family, extended family or family of friends or co-workers, here's how to zero in on the perfect family gift ideas.

1

Take it Home

Think about the type of house they live in and where geographically they're located to hone in on the perfect family gift. For example: you don't want to give Floridians snowboards or apartment dwellers a basketball hoop!

2

Snoop on Social

See what types of events they post about on social media. Look for clues about what they like to do together and give a gift that adds a new layer of fun to what they already love. It could be an accessory, a coffee table book or something else that shows you did your homework.

3

Get Cooking

Every family has to eat! So get them something that makes cooking together more fun or exotic. Be sure to check in about any food allergies or dietary concerns so that your gift doesn't go straight to the thrift store.

4

Try Something New

Experts say that making memories by doing something new like a day at a theme park or a chocolate factory tour is one of the best ways to keep family bonds strong. Lucky for us there are tons of experience options for us to choose from.

5

Get in the Game

My family loves to play board games and do puzzles in the summer. There are loads of new games out that actually let you make game play more difficult for the more mature players and easier for the youngest kids so that the whole family can play together. Definitely consider their ages and personalities to put together a collection of activities that will have the family working together and battling it out.

6

Match them Up

Some families like to express their family pride more than others. You know who they are and they would love nothing more than for you to get them matching shirts, bags, towels or anything else with their last name emblazoned on it for all to see whether they're together or solo.